Fiona Phillips (Gilmore, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

():  For decades, men have retreated to the sanctuary of their back sheds or man caves for some time out to tinker on their latest project or to share a few laughs with their mates. We all know that male friendships are critical to men's health and overall wellbeing, whether that's talking to a neighbour over the back fence, playing a game of footy at the park or dipping a line in with a mate. So when the first men's shed was formed 31 years ago, the concept took off around the country. Now we have more than 1,300 sheds across Australia, and I'm proud to say that 21 of these are in my electorate of Gilmore.

Over the years, I've supported my local men's sheds with numerous grants to enable members to support each other and to continue the important work they do in our communities. Since 2011, almost $30 million in federal funding has been allocated to the Australian Men's Shed Association to provide general support, resources and activities to men's sheds around the nation and to manage the National Shed Development Program. The Australian government recognises the importance of men's sheds as places where men can find social support and friendship while being engaged in meaningful activities that help them maintain good mental and physical wellbeing.

I, too, acknowledge that men's sheds lead to increased self-esteem and improved mental health outcomes for men who may be feeling lonely, depressed or socially isolated. This is why I fully support the government's commitment in the 2024-25 budget to provide $6 million over two years to support the association. I really enjoy popping along to my local men's sheds and seeing what they're up to. You never know what you'll find or what they're working on. One day, they'll be creating spectacular timber jewellery boxes and furniture, which they sell at markets to raise money for their programs, and the next, they'll be planting a garden or running a cooking class.

There's no end to the variety of activities that are carried out in men's sheds led by the members who bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to share with their mates. Activities aren't confined within the shed walls. The members enjoy time out together. Whether touring a local winery, a bus trip to the footy or riding the rails on a historic steam train ride, these excursions get men out of the house, increase their self-esteem and, importantly, lay the foundations for new hobbies and new friendships. Men's Shed is one of Australia's largest community development organisations, and the community spirit they foster is astounding. I love that if a local charity school or community group needs a hand, the men's shed members always have their tools at the ready. Whether it's a cubby house or an insect home for a preschool, garden furniture for an aged-care facility or a memorial seat in a local park, the members always step up with pride.

The great thing about men's sheds is they're all different. Living on the South Coast, surrounded by bushland, beaches and forests, the environment is at the top of the list for many of our local men's sheds. One group builds minor bird traps, while another makes nesting boxes for birds and possums. As well as providing a safe place for men of all ages, from all backgrounds and from all walks of life to come together, men's sheds are playing an increasingly valuable role in protecting our environment and supporting other community organisations. That's why it's so important for this government to continue to support them and to provide funding for health and wellbeing events, shed improvements, tools and equipment.

The budget funds will also provide automated external defibrillators for men's sheds. The addition of a defib could save the life of a member or visitor in the event of a cardiac arrest. These will be particularly welcomed in my electorate, where the sheds are located in villages some distance from a hospital or ambulance station. On Saturday, I bumped into my local Culburra Beach and District Men's Shed conducting a fundraising sausage sizzle. One member summed up what he loved most about the organisation. He said, 'They're a great bunch of blokes with great ideas and a willingness to help people wherever they can.' Today, I want to give a huge shout-out to all of our men's sheds and give special thanks to the 21 awesome sheds in Gilmore.

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